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Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, is a process by which a warmed solution called dialysate enters your peritoneal cavity (part of your abdominal cavity) through a small catheter that is surgically placed there as an access point. It absorbs wastes and excess fluid from your blood and is then drained and replaced with fresh dialysate.

Time Commitment: Peritoneal dialysis is usually performed at home on a daily basis, usually requiring 4 to 5 fill-and-drain exchanges each day, or at night while you are sleeping.

There are two types of peritoneal dialysis.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

This is the most commonly used form of PD that functions much like your kidneys used to, cleansing the blood.

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

This is performed at home with the help of a cycler machine, which cleanses your blood. This can be done during the day or night.

Time Commitment: 4 to 5 fill-and-drain exchanges each day for CAPD. Patients using
APD receive treatment every night with a machine while sleeping.

Advantages:

There are no needles involved in this type of treatment.

Diet and fluid intake is less restricted.

You have more control and greater flexibility about when and where you dialyze.

You can dialyze in the comfort of your home independently or with the help
of a loved one.

You can take a more active role in your treatment which has been proven to yield
better outcomes.

Health benefits can include more energy and better blood pressure control.